2022 Victoria News Best of the City Awards – Voting is Open
For those who don’t know, the local newspaper Victoria News hosts an annual Best of the City awards where you’re able to vote on your favourite Greater Victoria businesses! Voting includes a wide variety of categories, including best attraction, ice…
Accepting Role of Trustee: The Basics
Trust accounts are a popular tool in estate planning that will writers use to maximize their estate’s value and gain greater control over the distribution of their assets. Our recent blog post on the use of trust accounts in estate…
Appointing a Trustee in your Estate Plan
People can feel overwhelmed by the number of choices they must make when drawing up estate plans. It can be particularly difficult when one’s plans include strategies to increase the value of their estate, such as using trusts to hold…
Desk Order Divorce: A Simpler Divorce
The Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns unfortunately resulted in a wave of divorces in British Columbia and around the world. In British Columbia, couples who already agree on the terms of their divorce can file for a desk order divorce.…
Land Owner Transparency Act: The Basics
In November 2020, BC's new Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) came into force. The Act creates new disclosure obligations for owners of real estate in the province. It has a very broad scope and could impact many people. Keep reading…
Holograph Wills: A Will With No Witnesses Being Valid
In BC, there are strict rules that govern when a will can be deemed a valid will. Wills must be (1) in writing, (2) signed and (3) witnessed by two or more people. When the testator’s intentions are clear, courts…
Administration Bonds: Security for Inheritance
An estate executor must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries as part of their responsibilities. Executors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of beneficiaries, regardless of their personal relationship. Sometimes, the executor and beneficiaries…
Desk Order Divorce: A Simpler Approach to Divorce in BC
Within 50 years of marriage, an estimated 40% of unions will culminate in divorce. The Covid-19 pandemic has only amplified these unfortunate numbers. Although many partners navigate the divorce process amicably, the legal aspects and court appearances can generate unique…
Intestacy: Who Makes the Funeral Arrangements?
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, it may leave family and friends without any idea of who should plan the funeral or what the deceased’s preferences would have been. As a general rule of thumb, the deceased’s estate executor…